Photo courtesy of: davidpiccinimpp.ca
Thousands of frontline care workers in Ontario could soon gain expanded workplace insurance coverage under a proposed provincial change aimed at strengthening safety protections.
The plan would extend mandatory coverage under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board to workers in privately operated residential care facilities, retirement homes and group homes, adding an estimated 29,000 workers to the system.
Officials say the move would ensure that workers performing the same roles receive consistent protection, regardless of whether they work in public or private settings.
“Every day, frontline care workers show up to support people who rely on them,” said Northumberland-Peterborough South MPP David Piccini, who is also the Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.
“They do this work with compassion and dedication, and they deserve to know they’ll be protected if something goes wrong. By extending WSIB coverage across the sector, we’re closing long-standing gaps and making sure no worker caring for others in these facilities is left without support when they need it most,” Piccini added.
If passed, the legislation would provide wage-loss benefits, medical coverage and recovery support to eligible workers, bringing them in line with protections already available in publicly operated facilities.
The government says the changes would also help create a more level playing field across the sector while improving workplace safety outcomes.
Following consultations, workers who could be covered include personal support workers, registered nurses, social workers, occupational therapists and operations staff.
The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board is one of the largest insurance organizations in North America, covering more than five million workers across Ontario. It provides wage-loss benefits, medical care and return-to-work support for workers injured or made ill on the job.
“The team at the WSIB is delivering world class results to help people recover and safely return to work,” said Jeff Lang, President and CEO of the WSIB.
“We hope people never need us, but if they do, we’re here to help.”
The proposed expansion is part of a broader set of measures expected in the coming days aimed at strengthening worker protections while supporting Ontario’s economic competitiveness and job creation.
